Asante Kotoko defeated Ivorian side San Pedro by 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup.

A late penalty by Naby Keita secured a hard fought victory for the Porcupines.

The match which was played in two days saw the Porcupines take a slim advantage to the second leg.

Kjetil Zachariassen opted for Sougne Yacouba and Richard Arthur to lead the attack for his side.

It was a great start from Kotoko as they went all out in search of an early lead.

Justice Blay nearly got the opener for the home side on the 15th minute, but his powerful header was saved by the Ira Tape.

Richard Arthur came close again for Kotoko but his shot was blocked by Agbove Pacome, a rebound from Okrah was once again cleared by the San Pedro defense.

The visitors had their first chance of the game from a counter, a beautiful one two by Cheik and Mbondi, But felix Annan acted quickly to denied Cheik from a close range.

Richard Arthur fluffed another golden chance away after he was nicely set up by Emmanuel Gyamfi from the right side.

It was all Kotoko in the second half as they gathered all their arsenal together to get the opener, but a resolute San Pedro defense never gave them any chance.

Songne Yacouba came close with a good header but goalkeeper Ira Tape denied him with a great save.

Auguestine Okrah also tried his luck from 25yards but his shot went wide.

Kramo kouame nearly silent the home fans after capitalizing from a defensive blunder at the back, but Felix Annan produced a great save to denied him.

Kotoko finally got the lifeline in the added time, Songne Yacouba was brought down by Ngoran Kouassi and the referee whistled for a penalty.

Naby Keita stepped in and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Kotoko did well to maintained their lead till the blast of the final whistle.